All-Star Selections: National League

As you may have seen in our American League selections, we are having a go at selecting our own All-Star line-ups. The usual rules are out of the window, it’s strictly picking on position, ignoring the fan vote and with no obligation to have one player per team.

So, here goes. Feel free to get in touch on Twitter @FranchiseSprts with any disagreements…

Cervelli is an excellent defender, which contributes to Joe’s vote. Realmuto is hitting for considerable power with an OPS over .900. Each player has a great case for spot.

First Baseman

Sam

Joe

Thomas

Greg

Freeman, Belt

Belt, Freeman

Freeman

Freeman, Rizzo

Freddie Freeman is finally getting the admiration he deserves thanks to the Braves’ breakout year. The depth at first base in the National League has seen Freeman make just two All-Star teams, but he’s nailed on to start this year.

The competition around him is still fierce. Brandon Belt was on fire earlier in the year, Anthony Rizzo‘s numbers have taken off after a freezing cold start and the immense Joey Votto is doing his thing again. It’s a case of pick your favourite to backup Freeman.

Baez is a highlight reel player with flashy plays and swim moves galore. Gennett is having a monster year, hitting for average and power. Hernandez is balanced, combining a high walk rate with speed and a bit of pop. As our picks suggest, there’s no clear favourite(s) at second.

Shortstop

Sam

Joe

Thomas

Greg

Crawford, Turner

Crawford, Turner

Crawford

Crawford, Turner

With Cory Seager out for the year, this is a pretty clear cut thing. Brandon Crawford is a perennial gold glover hitting over .300, Trea Turner is one of the fastest men in the sport who is hitting homers and getting on base.

The other spot is trickier. Max Muncy deserves a place on this team somewhere, but his utility role makes it hard to find a specific spot in this format. Kris Bryant is having a good year, though not a stunning one, and Eugenio Suarez – like his teammate Gennett – is having a huge campaign.

Outfielders

Sam

Joe

Thomas

Greg

Kemp, Markakis, Yelich, Cain, Nimmo, Schwarber

Kemp, Markakis, Cain, Nimmo, Harper, Peralta

Kemp, Herrera, Harper

Blackmon, Markakis, Harper, Acuna jr., Yelich, McCutchen

Matt Kemp, who is having a season like literally no one predicted, and fellow veteran Nick Markakis get a lot of love here. Markakis is yet to make an All-Star team, but a .389 on-base percentage will end that streak.

There’s a real depth of outfield options in the National League. Although it lacks the superstars of the American League, there’s a lengthy list of players who could easily get selected from breakout Brandon Nimmo through to seasoned stars like Lorenzo Cain and Charlie Blackmon.

Bryce Harper‘s name will warrant a spot on the roster, even if .215 batting average might suggest otherwise. Christian Yelich has carried on in Milwaukee where he left off in Miami and is a definite contender, too.

Sam is a widely published freelance writer, covering basketball, baseball and a range of other sports. He's still trying to decide if he prefers a rundown shot block or a smooth double play. Twitter: @SamRCox_